Senior Manager, Mexico People Partner

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Manager, Mexico People Partner to serve as the senior People leader for Mexico. In this role, you will partner closely with business leaders, site leadership teams, and global People functions to align local People strategies with business objectives while ensuring compliance with Mexican labor regulations and corporate standards. As a trusted advisor, you will lead People initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, talent development, labor relations, and workforce planning across multiple locations. This role requires a strong combination of strategic thinking, operational excellence, and hands‑on leadership in a complex, multinational environment.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Business Partnership

• Act as the primary People advisor to business and site leaders across Mexico.
• Partner with Strategic People Business Partners and business leadership to identify People priorities and execute country‑specific People strategies.
• Support organizational design, workforce planning, restructures, and business transformation initiatives.
• Align local People initiatives with global People priorities and business objectives.

Employee & Labor Relations

• Lead labor relations strategy for Mexico, including union relationship management and collective bargaining agreement administration.
• Manage labor inspections and partner with external legal counsel on employment matters.
• Advise leaders on complex employee relations issues, workplace investigations, disciplinary actions, performance concerns, grievances, and conflict resolution.
• Mitigate risk through proactive compliance management and sound labor practices.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with Mexican labor laws, regulations, and corporate policies.
• Lead labor audits, compliance reviews, and workforce administration assessments.
• Oversee risk mitigation initiatives related to employment practices, payroll, employee records, and benefits administration.

Talent & Organizational Effectiveness

• Partner with global Centers of Excellence to execute performance management, talent development, and succession planning processes.
• Support identification and development of high‑potential talent and future leaders.
• Promote employee engagement, inclusion, retention, and positive workplace culture.
• Guide organizational development initiatives that strengthen leadership capability and workforce effectiveness.

Data, Analytics & Change Management

• Monitor and analyze workforce metrics including turnover, engagement, absenteeism, retention, diversity, and hiring trends.
• Leverage data insights to support strategic workforce decisions.
• Lead and support change management efforts associated with organizational transformation and business growth.
• Ensure smooth implementation of People programs and initiatives across multiple sites.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead, coach, and develop People team members and People partners across multiple locations.
• Build strong partnerships with business leaders, regional stakeholders, and global People teams.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives throughout the organization.
• Collaborate with Corporate Communications and other functions on employee communications and engagement efforts.
• Support employee wellbeing, safety, emergency management, hotline processes, and sustainability initiatives.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial Relations, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive Human Resources or People leadership experience.
• Proven experience managing labor relations in Mexico, including unionized environments and collective bargaining agreements.
• Strong knowledge of Mexican labor law and employment regulations.
• Experience supporting multiple sites, business units, or geographic locations.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and drive business outcomes through People strategies.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and consulting skills.
• Fluency in both English and Spanish.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Human Resources, Business, Industrial Relations, or related discipline.
• Professional HR certification.
• Experience within multinational or matrixed organizations.
• Experience leading organizational transformation, restructuring, or large‑scale change initiatives.
• Background supporting manufacturing, operations, logistics, transportation, or multi‑site workforces.
• Experience partnering with global Centers of Excellence and international stakeholders.
• Experience leading culturally diverse teams and work environments.

Key Success Factors

• Strong business acumen and executive presence.
• Deep expertise in labor relations and employee relations.
• Strategic workforce planning and organizational design experience.
• A collaborative and influential leadership style.
• High integrity and sound judgment.
• The ability to balance local business needs with global People strategies.
• Resilience, adaptability, and a passion for building high‑performing teams.

Who We Are

At Wallenius Wilhelmsen, you'll join a global leader in shipping and logistics with more than 9,000 colleagues across 28 countries. Together, we help move vehicles, equipment, and goods around the world through innovative and sustainable solutions. Our ambition is to lead the way in transforming shipping and logistics. Our success is built on our people. Rooted in a strong safety culture and guided by our values – We Care, We Challenge, We Commit – we create an environment where people can grow, contribute, and perform at their best. As a global company listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, we offer international opportunities within a collaborative and values‑driven culture.

Our Commitment to Equal Opportunities and an Inclusive Workplace

At Wallenius Wilhelmsen, our people are fundamental to our success. We believe in the power of bringing people together and value the unique experiences, skills, and perspectives every individual brings. These differences strengthen our ability to support our customers, drive innovation, and succeed as a global organisation. By fostering an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute, we create better outcomes for our people, our customers, and our business. By joining WalWil, you are not just taking on a role. You are joining a global team of over 9,000 people across 28 countries, where you can play a part in shaping shipping and logistics to be cleaner, smarter, and better for future generations. We believe careers grow through purpose, learning, and collaboration. Here, you will have opportunities to develop your skills, work with experienced colleagues, and contribute to meaningful work that supports customers and communities around the world. If you are motivated to learn, make an impact, and be part of a global team, WalWil could be the place for you.

For more than 150 years, Wallenius Wilhelmsen has connected people, businesses, and markets across the world. What began as a mission to move goods and enable trade has evolved into a global shipping and logistics company focused on innovation, operational excellence, and a more sustainable future.

But our story is defined as much by our people as by our business. Guided by our values—We Care, We Challenge, and We Commit—we foster a culture where people are empowered to grow, speak up and make a meaningful impact. Behind every achievement is the dedication, expertise, and collaboration of our teams. Across 28 countries, colleagues come together with diverse perspectives and a shared purpose: creating value for our customers, communities, and one another. It is this spirit that makes WalWil not only a leader in our industry, but also a place where people can build rewarding careers and contribute to something bigger than themselves.